KUCHING: The new year will see the implementation of several new policies, both at the national and state levels, starting today (Jan 1).
Sarawak is imposing a five per cent sales tax on petroleum products effective today as a new source of revenue to support the state’s development agenda.
This new tax is levied on crude oil, natural gas, liquefied natural gas, chemical-based fertilisers and gas-to-liquid products.
Chief Minister Datuk Patinggi Abang Johari Tun Openg said on Nov 5 last year that the five per cent petroleum sales tax will generate an estimated revenue of RM3.897 billion for Sarawak.
He stressed that the imposition of sales tax on petroleum products “is our right as enshrined in the Federal Constitution”.
Sarawak is allowed to impose state sales tax under Schedule 10 of the Federal Constitution.
Thus far this tax has only been imposed on crude palm oil, crude palm kernel oil, lottery tickets and tyres.
Abang Johari said Sarawak is projected to generate a record high revenue exceeding RM10 billion in 2019.
As Sarawakians usher in the new year, every new-born in the state will be given a one-off incentive worth RM1,000.
This incentive can only be withdrawn upon the child attaining the age of 18.
This new policy by the Sarawak government is to serve as a start-up capital for young Sarawakians to pursue their tertiary education or career development.
At the national level, the Ministry of Energy, Science, Technology, Environment and Climate Change (MESTECC) has introduced a new RM40 Electricity Bill Rebate Programme, taking effect from today until Dec 31 this year.
This new scheme replaces the RM20 Electricity Bill Rebate Programme which did not require beneficiaries to be registered under the e-Kasih system.
According to the MESTECC, some 185,000 poor and hardcore poor households nation-wide registered and verified under the e-Kasih system are eligible for the new rebate programme.
Under the previous RM20 rebate scheme, about 1.1 million consumers across the nation enjoyed the assistance, which saw the federal government forking out RM150 million a year.
It is not known how many of the 185,000 eligible households are from Sarawak.
The Borneo Post did make several attempts to find official data or estimates on this figure but to no avail.
Consumers can check their e-Kasih and rebate eligibility at the MESTECC website at https://semakanrebat.mestecc.gov.my or by calling the My Government Call Centre (MyGCC) at 03-8000 8000.
Sarawakians can also call the Sarawak Energy Berhad customer careline at 1-300-88-3111.
Another new policy is the smoking ban at all eateries to be enforced nation-wide except in Sarawak.
Deputy Health Minister Dr Lee Boon Chye, on Dec 17 last year, said patrons could still smoke following enforcement of the ban as long as they stay 10 feet or three metres away from the non-smoking zone.
Individuals caught smoking in prohibited areas face a maximum fine of RM10,000 or jail for up to two years while eateries found not putting up the ‘No-Smoking’ sign will be fined not exceeding RM3,000 or owner jailed up to six months.
Dr Lee said eatery operators are required to remove ashtrays from dining tables and put up the relevant warning signage in accordance to specifications put forth by the ministry.
He added that complaints on smokers who refuse to comply with the ban can be made to the ministry by calling a 24-hour hotline at 03-88924530.
The smoking ban is Malaysia’s commitment as a member state to the Framework Convention on Tobacco Control while adhering to the guidelines under Article 8 of the World Health Organisation.
Malaysia’s current Control of Tobacco Product (Amendment) Regulations 2017 prohibits smoking in 21 areas including hospitals, public toilets, lifts, government premises as well as air-conditioned shops and offices.
The State Health Department has arranged a meeting with various stakeholders including coffee shop operators on Jan 9 to deliberate on this new policy for Sarawak.